16 replies to this topic

[Walkinman1]

I thought I'd post some pics of some homemade tire chain tensioners that I have, if you guys have any others I'd love to see 'em!

I can't take credit for these btw, they all came with the Sears I purchased this past summer so it was the P.O.'s ingenuity to thank. I gave them a really good workout yesterday with excellent results so I thought I'd share...

These 2 are just a couple of strips of a small inner tube with bungee cord "S" hooks crimped on.



These ones are a large spring, attached in a circle, with more bungee cord hooks. I believe the rubber tubing slipped over the spring was either to enable the hooks to be moved or to prevent them from settling into the spring...perhaps a little of both.

[lyall]

I have not used chain tensioners for a while

 

I release the air for the tires, then put on the chains and fill the tires back up and they are tight

[MH81]

I use springs out of old Dish Washer doors.  (Work at an appliance store)

[robert_p43]

They all look like they would work well.  I have chains on one of my Sears and I used 2 short bungees crossing like an X and they seem to be working well.  Then again, I haven't gotten a chance to give them a workout.  Time will tell and if they fail, You have given me more ideas.

[robert_p43]

I use springs out of old Dish Washer doors.  (Work at an appliance store)

How do you set them up?

[Bolens 1000]

I thought I'd post some pics of some homemade tire chain tensioners that I have, if you guys have any others I'd love to see 'em!

I can't take credit for these btw, they all came with the Sears I purchased this past summer so it was the P.O.'s ingenuity to thank. I gave them a really good workout yesterday with excellent results so I thought I'd share...

These 2 are just a couple of strips of a small inner tube with bungee cord "S" hooks crimped on.
uploadfromtaptalk1388775315594.jpg
uploadfromtaptalk1388775323273.jpg

 

 

 

And I thought I was the only one who did that!

Actually my Grandfather taught me to make these "Poor Mans Bungees"

We used to just take an old tractor tire tube and cut it in strips then crimp the S hooks on

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[Walkinman1]

And I thought I was the only one who did that!
Actually my Grandfather taught me to make these "Poor Mans Bungees"
We used to just take an old tractor tire tube and cut it in strips then crimp the S hooks on

Those look neat! Are they homemade? Are they flat bar stock as they appear to be?

[Bolens 1000]

Those look neat! Are they homemade? Are they flat bar stock as they appear to be?

 

No, they are made by someone, Cant remember the brand but I think I got them on ebay

 

In my opinion they actually give better traction on pavement than chains, plus do not mark the driveway.

Been using them for a few years now and they are still like new.

[JDBrian]

I use those black rubber straps, the heavy duty 50lb ones. 3 per wheel. The chains weigh about 60lbs though, a lot heavier than most garden tractor chains.

[MH81]

How do you set them up?

I use the normal binders and tighten as much as I can, then I add these 2 outside, 2 inside so they don't lay on the wheel weight and still keep the chain tight. Sorry the pic is dark, I will look for a better one.


This pic is of the inside of the wheel on other tractor, but you get the idea.
http://gardentractor...32893705749.jpg

[Cat385B]

Mine are all fancy.

[old coot]

one time in an emergency i used nylon zip ties, the heavy ones , maybe a 1/4 inch wide by i think 2 feet long..they hold up pretty good . 3 years and counting...but the ideas here seem better

[MH81]

Mine are all fancy.
image.jpg

Just like their owner.

one time in an emergency i used nylon zip ties, the heavy ones , maybe a 1/4 inch wide by i think 2 feet long..they hold up pretty good . 3 years and counting...but the ideas here seem better

Three years is good lifespan out of anything like that. Sounds like a good idea to me.

[Greasy6020]

I use plain old cable tensioners... Just one across each wheel.

[Jazz]

I have old style levers on these chains. I get them tight enough they won't move. When I hauled on winter roads the truck tire chains had cams to tighten chains. Much better than lever type.

Attached Thumbnails

•